The magnificent Victoria Falls, which is also known as “Mosioa Tunya” or The Smokethat Thunders by the locals, and Zambezi River are two of Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. The scenic beauty of Zambia has no equal in Africa. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if this is the best safari destination.
Best Time To Go
Zambia
When the rains have subsided and the bush turns a lovely golden brown, May-October is the best time to visit. Cooler temperatures enable for longer walks and great game viewing. You can see the Victoria Falls at full capacity if you visit them between March and Juni when the water level is at its highest. White Water Rafting or swimming in the Devil’s Pool on the Victoria Falls’ edge are better if you visit between July and February when the water is lower.
Climate
The dry season lasts from May to September. It will usually start cooler in May but heat up by September through November. The rainy period is between November and April. It tends to be hot throughout this time.
Visas
Visas can also be purchased upon arrival in Zambia. It is recommended to get a UNIVISA if visiting Victoria Falls. This permits you to visit both the Zimbabwean as well as the Zambian sides of the falls.
Why?
The
South Luangwa
Lower Zambezi
These are some of the most famous areas in Zambia to go safari. South Luangwa offers the most amazing walking safaris in Africa. While the Lower Zambezi runs along the border to the Zambezi River. It is a beautiful national park offering canoeing on the river as a well as fishing, game drives, and walking.
Kafue
This park is less well-known and receives less visitors than its counterparts each year, but it has outstanding game viewing and there are far fewer people to share this experience with. Livingstone, Zambia’s side of the magnificent wildlife, is an essential part of any trip to Zambia.
Victoria Falls
Luggage/Weight Limits
Light aircraft flights are required to travel between reserve airports. A soft-sided bag and hand luggage will be needed.
Medical Advice
Zambia is a risk area for malaria. Prophylaxis against malaria is strongly recommended.
Clothes
It is best to wear neutral colors in colours like khaki and green when going on a Zambia safari. They will blend in well with the bush environment. For those cold mornings and nights when temperatures drop, warm pants and jumpers are necessary. Layers are important. Once it has risen, the temperature quickly warms up and then you can shed a few layers. Good sturdy walking shoes or safari shoes are also recommended, as walking is an enjoyable activity in Zambia.
Money and Tipping
Most outgoing costs are covered in the initial payment. For guides and rangers, tips are encouraged at $5-10 USD per individual guest per day. The tip can be divided between housekeeping or other staff. USD is recommended as the preferred currency for tipping. Credit cards are generally accepted for any additional payments while staying in lodges.
Drinking and dining
It is important to drink and dine on safari. The standards are high and so the setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner is very important. In addition to beautiful dinners at the lodge, the Boma can arrange surprise dinners for bush dinners under the African skies, lunch by the river’s shallow waters, or a surprise breakfast in a clearing of the bush. There are many options for dining at Victoria Falls. Every evening is different. Take a sunset cruise down the Zambezi, or board the Royal Livingstone Express to experience the glamour. Tongabezi Lodge also offers romantic dining for two at a table set on the pontoon.
Animals
South Luangwa National Park (also known as the “Leopard Valley”) is home to almost all of the rare Wild Dogs, Buffalo, Elephant and Lion Prides. Kafue has a large variety of game. You can see many species from one view if you cast your eyes over the plain. Kafue also offers great opportunities to view the Cheetah, an endangered African predator. The Lower Zambezi is a great place to spot Lion and Leopard along with Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile on the banks and in the vicinity of the river.
What to Pack
It is important to have spare memory cards, spare batteries, a charger and camera equipment with you on safari. It is a good idea to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sunhat regardless of the time of the year. To help you relax in the middle of your day, consider adding binoculars to your bag, a torch and a book. A light backpack is also a great option to store all your belongings.
Where To Stay
Zambia offers accommodation for everyone, yet it is not too crowded. In South Luangwa
Chinzombo
As the top luxury lodge, it reigns supreme
Tena Tena
The best choice for rustic tented accommodation is at the southeastern corner of Texas. You can combine your stay to achieve the ultimate authenticity
Nsolo
Luwi
The opportunity to walk between the camps for a full day, with luggage rushing ahead to be at the destination. There are only a few lodges located in Kafue National Park’s famous Busanga Plains.
Shumba Camp
. The Lower Zambezi has the perfect combination of all three.
Old Mondoro
The sister camp
Chiawa
The former is a rustic copy of its luxurious sister property. To see another authentic property in Lower Zambezi click here
Chongwe River Camp
Lodge is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests. To visit the Victoria Falls,
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Falls are only a short drive away from this stunningly elegant property. You may also consider sister properties for a more exclusive stay along Zambezi River.
Tongabezi
Sindabezi
Are a favourite, providing a multitude of activities in peaceful surroundings right on the river.
River Club
You can also choose to travel along the Zambezi. While you are only 20km from Victoria Falls it is far more peaceful than the usual bustle.
Activities
One of Zambia’s greatest draws is its outstanding walking safaris. These are led by both a guide and scout who have extraordinary knowledge so that big game can easily be approached on foot. This offers one of most thrilling experiences to be had in nature. There are many other activities to enjoy in Zambia, including boat trips along the river and canoeing. You can find plenty of activities for both the adventure-seekers as well as the leisurely traveler at the Falls. Although a walk to the falls is recommended, it’s worth taking a helicopter flight or microlight flight to get a better view of the waterfall’s beauty and intensity. It is also possible to see elephants and hippos from the Zambezi River by flying high above. White Water Rafting, as well as a swim at Devil’s Pool near the Victoria Falls, can be done when the water levels drop. Bungee jumping is also available all year.
Our Africa experts can help you book a safari trip to Zambia.
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